How to Decorate Outdoor Porches
Outdoor porches are an extension of your indoor living space. To make the most of your outdoor porch, use the same decorating techniques that you use indoors, such as using complementary color schemes and matching materials to their uses. Making your outdoor porch as comfortable as it can be for you, your family and your guests will ensure that you use it year round. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Create a focal point on your outdoor porch. It could be your doorway, a piece of furniture or artwork, a decorative item or most anything that stands out a bit from the rest of the décor. Use the focal point to help determine the rest of your outdoor porch's décor by using the same color or style throughout.
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Follow a general theme throughout your porch. The theme may be as simple as carrying the same color scheme across many aspects of the porch, or a decorating style such as vintage, country, urban or Victorian.
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Use weather-resistant or easily replaceable curtains, chair and couch cushions and decorations. Using comfortable materials on your outdoor porch offers an extension of the indoor living area.
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Paint the ceiling a pale color, such as yellow, blue, green or white. Pale colors open spaces up and will make your porch appear larger than it is.
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Place mirrors in strategic places on the outdoor porch to capture the reflections of sunlight, trees and other outdoor phenomena.
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Paint your floor to help protect it from harsh weather. Sunlight, rain and wind can all damage wooden floors, so prime them with an outdoor primer and paint the floor a color that complements the rest of your porch. Toss down a nice throw rug to encourage barefoot relaxation.
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Hang sheer curtains or thin sheets to help block the bright sun. Window blinds and curtains will also block access to your outdoor porch from flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes.
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Place wicker couches with plush cushions on your outdoor porch. Other viable seating and furniture options are wrought iron or metal chairs and side tables. Hang a hammock or large bench swing at one end of your porch to bring the outdoors in closer.
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Set potted plants near the entrance to your outdoor porch, either on the edge of the walkway or on the stairs. Choose perennial plants such as hostas, dianthus, geraniums or lantana for greenery that lasts throughout most of the year. "Plant" fake flowers when the coldest part of the year rolls around, to keep pots looking fresh.
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Attach a small wreath hanger to the entrance door and hang wreaths appropriate for the time of year. Many craft supply stores sells wreaths pre-made, but you can make your own if you are feeling crafty.
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References
- Photo Credit front porch image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
